Licensed attorney since 2007. Licensed to practice law in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Washington D.C.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about injury claims, evidence, deadlines, fees, settlement value, and the Bodewell case review process.
Quick Links
Request a Case Review
Tell Bodewell what happened and ask about next steps.
Try the Case Evaluator
Use the educational estimator to organize key case factors.
Browse Practice Areas
Find information about injury claim types Bodewell evaluates.
Find a Service Area
Review Alabama and Georgia office and county pages.
Getting Started
Questions people often have before requesting a case review.
How much does it cost to talk to Bodewell?
The initial case review is free. In many personal injury and wrongful death matters, attorney fees are handled on a contingency-fee basis, which means the attorney fee depends on recovery. Fee terms are explained before representation begins.
What if I am not sure whether I have a case?
You can still request a free case review. Bodewell can help identify potential deadlines, evidence needs, responsible parties, insurance issues, and whether the facts may support a claim.
What information should I have ready when I call?
Helpful details include when and where the incident happened, what caused the injury, what medical care has been received, whether there are photos or videos, names of witnesses, insurance information, and any letters or calls from adjusters.
Will contacting Bodewell create an attorney-client relationship?
No. A case review does not create an attorney-client relationship by itself. Representation begins only if Bodewell agrees to represent you and the required agreement is completed.
Deadlines, Evidence, and First Steps
The first days after a serious injury can shape the claim.
What should I do first after an injury?
Get medical care, follow treatment instructions, preserve photos and documents, avoid recorded statements without legal advice, and contact a lawyer before key evidence disappears.
How long do I have to bring a claim?
Deadlines vary by state, defendant, and claim type. Many claims must be filed within two years, but some government notices and special claims can have much shorter deadlines. Call to confirm your exact deadline.
What evidence should I preserve?
Save photos, videos, incident reports, medical records, bills, receipts, damaged property, product packaging, witness names, insurance letters, emails, texts, and anything showing how the injury changed work, home life, or daily activities.
Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
Be careful. Adjusters may ask questions in ways that narrow or harm a claim. It is wise to get legal advice before giving a recorded statement or signing medical authorizations, releases, or settlement paperwork.
What if the evidence is controlled by a business, hospital, trucking company, or property owner?
Act quickly. Video, logs, maintenance records, vehicle data, product evidence, and internal documents may need preservation letters or formal discovery before they are lost, overwritten, repaired, discarded, or changed.
Alabama and Georgia Claims
State rules can change the strategy, risk, and value of an injury claim.
Does Bodewell handle cases in Alabama and Georgia?
Yes. Bodewell serves clients across Alabama and Georgia, with office connections in Birmingham and Columbus and service-area pages for nearby counties.
Why do Alabama fault rules matter?
Alabama defendants may raise contributory negligence, a harsh defense that can become important when the defense claims the injured person did anything wrong. That makes early evidence development especially important.
Why do Georgia fault rules matter?
Georgia uses comparative-fault concepts that can reduce or bar recovery depending on the fault assigned. The defense may try to shift blame, so documentation and witness development matter.
Can a city, county, school, hospital, or government entity change the deadline?
Yes. Government-related claims may involve notice rules or shorter deadlines. If any public entity may be involved, do not wait to ask about timing.
Fees, Costs, and Case Value
How fees, expenses, and settlement value are usually discussed.
Do I pay upfront attorney fees?
In many injury matters, representation is offered on a contingency-fee basis. That means no attorney fee is owed unless there is a recovery. Costs and fee terms are explained in the representation agreement.
How is a case valued?
Case value depends on liability proof, injury severity, medical care, future treatment, lost income, life impact, insurance coverage, venue, fault defenses, and how clearly damages are documented.
Can Bodewell tell me exactly what my case is worth right away?
Usually not responsibly. Early estimates can miss future medical needs, hidden insurance issues, long-term symptoms, comparative fault, expert opinions, and evidence that is not yet preserved.
Can I use the case evaluator before calling?
Yes. The settlement estimator is an educational tool that can help frame key factors, but it is not legal advice, not a case valuation, and not a guarantee of any result.
Do past results mean my case will have a similar outcome?
No. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case depends on its own facts, law, evidence, insurance, damages, and risk.
Working With Bodewell
What clients can expect after requesting a review.
What happens after I request a free case review?
Bodewell reviews the basic facts, asks follow-up questions, considers deadlines and evidence, and explains practical next steps. If the firm can help, representation terms are discussed before any attorney-client relationship begins.
Will I work directly with attorneys?
Bodewell emphasizes personal attention and high-level advocacy. The right team structure depends on the case, but clients should expect clear communication about who is handling each part of the matter.
How often will I get updates?
Communication depends on the phase of the case, but clients should know what is happening, what is needed from them, and what the next major step is.
Do most injury cases settle?
Many cases settle, but serious settlements usually come from preparation. Bodewell builds claims with evidence, damages documentation, and litigation pressure so the defense understands the risk of trial.
Can another attorney refer or co-counsel a case with Bodewell?
Yes. Attorneys can use the co-counsel page to start a conversation about serious injury, wrongful death, product liability, trucking, medical malpractice, or other complex matters.
Start With a Free Case Review
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in Alabama or Georgia, Bodewell can help you understand the next step.
Alabama: (205) 533-7878
Georgia: (706) 550-9000